Thursday, June 16, 2016

So how is this a change from, like, war?

WASHINGTON, June 15, 2016 – U.S. forces in Afghanistan now will be able to boost support for Afghan conventional forces with more firepower and by accompanying and advising them on the ground and in the air, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said this morning in Brussels.
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Based on his recommendations and those of Marine Corps Gen. Joe Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Carter said, President Barack Obama decided to grant more flexibility to U.S. forces in Afghanistan this year.

The new authority means U.S. troops can more proactively support Afghan conventional forces in two critical ways: with more American firepower, especially through close air support, and by accompanying and advising Afghan conventional forces on the ground and in the air, he explained.

"In practical terms, this means U.S. forces will have more opportunities to accompany and enable Afghan conventional forces, just like we have already been doing with Afghan special operations forces," the secretary said.

Hey, Afghan army bros! The prez of the US has granted me, an advisor, more flexibility in our struggle against the Taliban and Al Qaeda and other enemies of peace and stuff. That's right! Because of my far-seeing president and equally prescient SECDEF, I can now more proactively support you! Now I can call firepower and air support and actually go with you on operations! Ain't life grand?